My successes.

When Alexa Hassink decided to launch her strategic communications consultancy, she knew she needed guidance to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. That's when she turned to SCORE, a nonprofit organization providing free business mentoring and education to small business owners.

Alexa's journey to entrepreneurship was rooted in her extensive experience in the communications field. Before founding Alexa Hassink Strategies in October 2023, she worked for two years at a New York-based creative agency specializing in website development and branding for organizations and foundations. 

These experiences provided valuable insights into the unique needs of nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. She realized that her skills could be applied more broadly to help these entities effectively communicate their messages and navigate organizational transitions.

A week before her planned move to Pittsburgh, Alexa was laid off from her New York position. Rather than viewing this as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity. "If there was ever a good time to go out on my own, it was now," she said.

As Alexa began setting up her business, she encountered numerous challenges, from understanding the local business landscape to deciphering conflicting advice about business structures. "I was looking for someone I knew was a trusted source. When I came across SCORE, I knew this was it. They were the source I needed," she explained.

In September 2023, Alexa contacted SCORE and was paired with mentor Naomi Corsi. They established weekly calls, during which Naomi provided invaluable resources and advice based on her extensive background. "She was able to really help me with the startup guides and other resources that SCORE provided," Alexa noted.

With Naomi’s assistance, Alexa distinguished between the “must-haves” and the “nice-to-haves” during the startup process. She received guidance on defining her service offerings and positioning herself in the marketplace. SCORE also provided crucial support to set up the foundational elements of her consultancy. 

While SCORE primarily assisted with business infrastructure, Alexa also received advice on networking and client acquisition. She conducted numerous virtual coffee meetings and reconnected with her professional network. "The people who are willing to champion you aren't always the people you think they're going to be," Alexa observed, emphasizing the importance of casting a wide net when establishing a support system.

Alexa quickly realized that her initial clients would likely come from her existing professional relationships. "The most impactful thing I had in getting started was a history of collaborating with people who could vouch for my work," she noted.

For Alexa, SCORE's mentorship went beyond technical advice. "It is really helpful to have someone in your corner, especially when you're not sure what next step to take," she explained. "Beyond even the technical mentorship, having someone who really wants you to succeed and will figure out how to help you make that happen is invaluable."